They’re back….! It's definitely a new year as the loved ATLien group, OutKast, dropped a press release yesterday stating that the group has chosen to kickoff their 20th anniversary tour in a very big way. In the volatile world of hip-hop, where fans are as fickle as a two-headed coin, it is extremely hard to stay in the game. OutKast has always found a way to successfully push the grain and combining musical styles that is usually ahead of its time. With that approach, the group has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, earned multiple GRAMMY Awards, and now hitting a 40-date global tour starting with the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April.

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Hip-hop history is notorious of having artists who come in with a big bang, only to leave the next year with nothing more than a fizzle. Many of those lucky enough to hang on to the scene for more than a couple of years do so by regurgitating the popular formula of the day. Then there are the chosen few of hip-hop. Those unique individuals whose work constantly displays the kind of innovation that commands both respect and adoration from fans and peers. Andre 3000 and Big Boi are not only listed among the hip-hop elite, but are counted as champions of pop culture and have demonstrated that with this major announcement.

The two have had unique history over the past few years with rumors of breaking up as a group, bashing on each other for musical quality, and stating that they will not be having a reunion. Almost exactly one year ago, the two began to really put facts in place. Rumors began back in 2006 with an inside sources reporting to Fox News that the two were parting ways as they were working on music projects separately. 2006 also marked the last time the group released something as a unit. However, in a 2012 interview with Fadar, Andre went on the record saying "So I think when I hear things on the Internet that Outkast is over, I think, that's a shame. Because I don't have the power to stop Outkast, you know? I didn't start Outkast by myself. I don't have the power to stop Outkast,"

Throughout the history of their illustrious career, Outkast has consistently delivered a string of hit albums that have displayed the highest levels of musical creativity while remaining true to the spirit of hip-hop. Check them out as they kickoff their 20th anniversary tour on Friday, April 11 at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, then continue with dates throughout the spring and summer.

Big Boi mentioned, “It’s truly an honor to celebrate 20 years and still be free to do music the way we choose…Don’t just think outside the box, know that there is no box. I'm looking forward to rocking the stage with my Bro Ski and to all the fans - stank you smelly much, this is for y’all!”

Be sure to check back for updated tour schedules, announcements, and inside scoops covering their anticipated global tour.

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Courtney Manlove is a music and entertainment publicist based in Los Angeles. Over the years, she's toured the globe with award winning music groups, down to being an incremental growth agent to emerging artists. She can be described as a Marketing Maven, a Music Enthusiast, an Executive ♫ Producer, a Strategic Futurist, and a Serial Optimist.